Growing up under the Italian sun, Lisa often found herself basking in its warmth with little regard for the long-term effects. Now 41, she reflects on her youth spent without the daily application of sunscreen, a habit she now regrets. “I never wore SPF every day. I thought it was something you just put on when you went to the beach or the pool,” she explained. Her summers were filled with salty waves and sun-kissed skin, a look popularized during the “Britney Spears era,” when tans were the ultimate fashion statement.
Lisa’s carefree attitude towards sun protection extended beyond the beach. Tanning salons were a frequent haunt, further compounding the damage. It wasn’t until her late 20s that she began to notice the consequences of her sun-soaked lifestyle. Freckles and sun spots began to mar her complexion, prompting her to seek professional help.
From Botox to Fraxel: A Shift in Focus
Lisa’s journey to rejuvenating her skin began in the mid-2010s when she first visited Dr. Shereene Idriss, a renowned dermatologist based in New York City. Initially drawn to the idea of injectables like Botox, Lisa quickly realized that her skin’s quality was a more pressing concern. “I started to do these treatments to make me look younger and better. I just realized, ‘I’m doing all of this and yet my skin is full of brown spots, and it’s aging me,’” she recounted.
Dr. Idriss recommended starting with Fraxel laser treatments, a technology designed to resurface the skin by shedding damaged cells and promoting the growth of new, healthy ones. Over an eight-month period, Lisa underwent two Fraxel sessions. In between, she received intense-pulse-light (IPL) treatments every six weeks, targeting sun spots and age spots.
Price: $7,800
Verdict: It took a significant amount of her sun spots off, but not all of them.
Transforming Her Skincare Routine
Encouraged by the initial results, Lisa embraced a new skincare regimen under Dr. Idriss’s guidance. Central to this routine was hydroquinone, a chemical used to treat hyperpigmentation. “She introduced me to hydroquinone. I would do two months on and two months off,” Lisa explained. This was complemented by tretinoin, a topical retinoid, and a newfound commitment to daily sunscreen use.
Lisa’s lifestyle also underwent a transformation. She reduced her sun exposure, opting for hats and sunscreen when outdoors. The consistency paid off, as she began to see further improvements in her skin’s appearance.
Price: The medication was prescribed.
Verdict: Over time, being consistent with the routine for a few months, she started to see more results.
Maintaining the Glow: A New Lifestyle
Today, Lisa’s approach to skincare is one of dedication and consistency. She continues to receive IPL or Clear + Brilliant treatments every few months and relies heavily on products recommended by Dr. Idriss. “The positive change on my skin has made me happier and I’m more confident. Honestly, I haven’t even worn foundation since I started seeing Shereene. I don’t need it,” Lisa shared.
The Routine That Works
- Valmont Primary Veil: A milky mist that acts as an essence, refreshing the skin with hyaluronic acid and strengthening it with liposome DNA.
Price: $140
- Medical Beauty Research Modukine Serum: An anti-aging serum for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, calming irritation and providing a lifting effect.
Price: $240
Price: $4,644 (includes one treatment a year of Fraxel, IPL, and Clear + Brilliant and her skin-care routine)
Verdict: With consistency, this is working for her.
Lisa’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of taking proactive steps in skincare. As awareness of sun damage grows, her journey offers valuable insights for those looking to reverse the effects of past habits. Her experience underscores the need for a comprehensive approach, combining professional treatments with a disciplined skincare routine.
